Question

It is not the function of our Government to keep the citizen from falling into error; it is the function of the citizen to keep the Government from falling into error.

—Robert H. Jackson (1892-1954), U.S. judge
Communications Association v. Douds, May 1950

What does this quotation mean?
A.
The United States government can run well without the constant supervision of its citizens.
B.
The government makes as many errors and mistakes as the average United States citizen.
C.
Citizens should not expect the government to take care of them; rather, citizens must take care of it.
D.
Government is only as functional as its weakest link, so only strong people should participate.

Answer 1

I would say that the answer is C. He implies that the government relies on us, as without us there would be no government.